My family of seven and I are still getting over a nasty bout of flu-colds and possible respiratory infections. We are pretty hardy people and don't go to the doctor much. But there are times...

This has probably been addressed before, but I would appreciate your thoughts: what can we do about antibiotics in the event that the pharmacies are closed? What if your doctor is a Y2K DGI and refuses to give any advance prescriptions? What about veterinary penicillin?

Jim

-- Jim Rose (jimrose@voyager.net), February 21, 1999

Answers

You might want to peruse the lists of back-dated threads, (found at the bottom of the first message page). As you suspected there have been numerous threads concerning the aquisition of prescription meds, and even a discussion of vet meds. Depending on where you live you have various resources. Here in S. California we have Mexico to run to for antibiotics and other substances that require a prescription in the US. Some folks are laying it on the line with their physicians, asking for multiple prescriptions or large supply. Others are going to claim a long trip abroad and a need for large supply. I thought I read recently that in Canada you can get some of these that are more heavily regulated in the US. And if you do an internet search there are mail order places that will sell you meds without a prescription. I think most of these are European companies,...or the like.

Good luck.

-- Donna Barthuley (moment@pacbell.net), February 21, 1999.

My first line of defense is Echinacea-Golden Seal and vitamin C with bioflavonoids for any cold/flu symptoms. There was a time about 3 years ago that I became ill and went to the doctor for help. The doctor prescribed penicillin and other medicines however I remained ill for 10 weeks. I started to take mass quantities of vitamins of all kinds and within 7 days I was better. Penicillin is not the end all cure all that most people think and it does lower your immune system. The only reason I am saying anything is because this approach has worked well for me: you might try it. Tman

-- Tman (Tman@IBAgeek.com), February 21, 1999.

Over use of antibiotics for viruses etc. has caused a series of problems, not the least of which is drug resistant strains of TB, and Staph Aureus . People should be VERY careful about self prescription of antibiotics. Talkk this over with your medical practitioner first.

Chuck, da Night Driver (who carries an EMT-P around for his looks)

-- Chuck, night driver (rienzoo@en.com), February 21, 1999.

(who carries an EMT-P around for his looks)

And who never lets us forget that. Badge/authority proud, are we?

-- seentoomany (EMTlosers@the.emergencyroom), February 21, 1999.

He's skill-proud, with good reason. EMTs can do just about anything, quickly. Chuck's reiteration serves to remind us and let newbies know the value of EMT training and experience in Y2K and beyond. Wish Chuck & his bride lived next door!

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-- Leska (allaha@earthlink.net), February 21, 1999.

For the best home remedy antibiotic that kills over 650 bacteria, virusses and parasites go to www.silversolutions.com I make my own coloidal silver for pennies. It kills a cold, sore throat, pneumonia, etc. in a couple of days!!! Stop wasting your hard earned money going to rip off doctors! Become responsible for your own health! Also type in your search engine....blood electrification and Bob Beck, who invented it. I use both with great success! I had a rootcanal problem and used the blood electrification on my tooth. Three 5 minute treatments and no more pain. This was done a couple of months ago and no recurring pain! Check it out! It works! GREAT FOR Y2K!!!!!

-- Freddie the Freeloader (freddie@aol.com), February 21, 1999.

Of course you're right, Leska. Let me bow down before his godlike status. After all, he can do almost anything! He's certified, licensed, trained, skilled, permitted, checked out and owned by the state! Must be a hell of a man, and doesn't he look great in that uniform. Bet he's got red lights, siren and EVERYTHING!

Gimme a break. EMT's are just another group looking to enhance their status and privileges, like cops and firemen, at the expense of everyone else. We had a nice first-aid squad here in our rural community until the state came in and decided that all FAS members in the state must be EMT certified. None of the volunteers had the time to take the training. Now we don't even have an ambulance, and have to depend on a "pro" squad thirty miles away. In the past year they arrived too late to save someone 3 times, although they arrived with their pants pressed and white uniform shirts spotless. All this because the EMT badge-boys convinced the state legislators that no ambulance squad can exist without the godlike EMT certification. Screw EMTs and their egos.

-- lost (someone@their.fault), February 21, 1999.

lost, very sorry you've had bad experiences. I've had really bad experiences with ambulance companies pulling $$ rip-off lies. However, I've had many more excellent experiences having to call 911 for emergencies with home care patients (not hospice), and having those EMTs work their miracles while reassuring pts, families, and caregivers. I've often thought of becoming an EMT, know I *should*, but have this problem fainting at the sight of blood and being too empathetic, so have not. Portions of the NET/NERT/CERT classes are taught by EMTs and several graduates have saved lives with their new skills.

After one lives long enough, especially if one started out with glowing idealism, there will be many disillusionments. Does one become bitter and angry, or learn to still appreciate every sliver of good and ignore the bad, being just wary enough not to get "taken"? After going through unimaginable bliss, then hell, in this life, I decided to concentrate on Good, and have been very happy. If I were to just focus on uniforms and injustices, I would be miserable.

I've had plenty of experiences with groups "owned" by the state, and there are turf wars, but one has to learn to let those problems flow by the wayside and still get work accomplished with love. The patients should not be harmed by professional ego fights. I understand how you feel, and have been there, but it doesn't help to see things clearly if all it does is embitter. Bliss, love, freedom, learning, and sharing are our birthrights, and it is up to us to claim those with joy in spite of all oppressions.

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-- Leska (allaha@earthlink.net), February 21, 1999.

Caution about using colloidal silver! Research this one good, and be fully informed before trying it! PLEASE look at this link BEFORE trying this kind of product.

http://homepages.together.net/~rjstan/

-- Embedhead (nobody@nowhere.com), February 21, 1999.

"The patients should not be harmed by professional ego fights."

Ah, but they ARE, that's the whole point! These egomaniacal "first responders" have devolved down to where their "turf wars" are literally killing people, and they don't give a rat's **s about it as long as they get stroked. As far as my being bitter, that'll end when, after Y2K hits, hopefully some of these wonderful EMT's will show up here looking for food. Maybe the sight of a few of them performing degrading acts before being fed what decaying scraps I choose to toss them will be mildly cathartic.

-- lost (bitter@loving.it), February 21, 1999.

I have looked up the link about the woman, who's skin turned greay from colloidal silver use. This is another scam by the rip off doctors. This woman in the 1930's did not use coilloidal silver. She used shavings and filings of silver in great amounts and not microscopic paricles that we use today. This is old info that the rip off doctors use to discourage you from using home remedies that work!!! I have used colloidal silver for 4 years in large amounts without any negative results. Whenever something good is found, there is always someone who wants to tell you it is no good. There is a lot of false info out there. Look at the milk ads! They say, drink milk, prevent osteoporosis. What a buch of crap! But most people believe it! We drink more milk in America then anywhere else and osteoporiosis is on the rise! If drinking milk really worked, we would not have osteoporosis in America!!!! Don't listen to the scam doctors!!!

-- Freddie the Freeloader (freddie@aol.com), February 22, 1999.

damn contrails!

-- ed (edrider007@aol.com), February 22, 1999.

If the pts are being harmed, the harmers are *not* professionals any more. Sad. How do they get stroked; what rewards are they looking for? If they can't serve the area, why take it over? If the deaths are proven too-long-response or negligence, have there been lawsuits? I've heard about this type of thing happening before. The training really is good and worthwhile. And one can always learn more and refresh skills. Instead of displacing the volunteers, maybe they should have given them 6 months to get the training. One would think the volunteers would jump at the chance to increase their skills. In the medical field, new & improved (and some dumbo ones too) techniques are always being introduced.

The nursing world also is incredibly hierarchical and ego-strewn. Will be interesting when the hospitals have mucho problemos. Sorry to hear your areas has been disserved in this way. Perhaps if your neighbors can get together and show that the changes were not for the better, you can get the volunteers certified and back to the way it was.

Doubt your bitterness will wash away after forcing EMTs to do manual barn duty and then tossing scraps of stale jelly glaze with fuzzy greens on top. Revenge is more fun in fantasy than reality. But idiot bureaucracy harming folks can be extremely irritating. Rally your neighbors and don't let the pencil-pushers devolve your quality of life.

Hope things get better for you. Perhaps Y2K will give you the opportunity to make a positive difference in your community; it certainly, by October, will have people talking to each other more. Turn your anger to constructive campaign-for-change, and be good to yourself and others. Maybe a new millennium will dawn for you with rays of understanding and helpfulness blazing new paths of serviceful vigor in your unfolding heart. You've got the intelligence; just unlock your heart and soul!

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-- Leska (allaha@earthlink.net), February 22, 1999.

As one who has done nutritional consultation for years, I suggests you research natural antibiotics. Echinacea & golden seal may work if it is a mild case of bacterial infection, but if it's tougher case, then you may need to combine with Bioprotein A, I can look up the full name if anyone need these info. I will be teaching Y2K & natural medicine at the upcoming Y2K expo at San Jose, CA. I have a long list of what seems to help from allergies to yeasts. For example AllerBeeGone is really great for allergies. Many have been permanently relieved with 1-2 bottles, then I have had dozens of Arthritic patients who have gotten permanently well by using CMO ( Bovine source). Better & faster than Glucosamine Sulphate. I have seen/heard good results on High blood pressure, cholesterol, osteoporosis, hormone, acid stomach, eye, skin & cancer. My major was in Nutritional science at a respected University. I also have a health show myself. Now about colloidal silver, I don't doubt it can kill numerous germs and I have tried it myself with a good source, but the more I studied & talk to respected naturopaths & D.C., the more reservation I have now, because silver i9s silver & it's a heavy metal! If you have nothing better, then perhaps. There's so much misinformation out there. Also some things are hyped like colloidal minerals, melatonin, DHEA. Beware of what they don't tell you. If anyone has a brief question, I welcome your email. This Y2K is going to impact the drug companies! No way they can produce enough unless they mass produce now, but then you have expiration problem. I stocked up on a Y2K medicine . My list of what should be in a cabinet will soon be out. I am quite busy, but I read every Email. If you are in a hurry, consider another great source for natural info. This lady is quite knowleagable tho not a doctor, & she has probably the best price on supplements, much cheaper than the health food store. Her number is 650-634-0308 in West coast. Many have told me they sells some 130? unique products & they don't sell imitation stuff! I understand they also sell perhaps the lowest-priced water barrels & freeze-dried foods (15% off?).I don't own any business myself. I love to research & help people. Since I never charge a dime, I sometimes get flooded. I can't promise I will have time to answer in detail every question you might have. Disclaimer: The above statements have not been approved by the FDA Be sure to do your own research & consult with your own Dr. before attempting anything. No medical claims are made of any products.And I do not cure any illneses. Your body heals itself when provide withe the right tools & nutrients.

-- RAY KWONG (kCORNER67@HOTMAIL.COM), February 22, 1999.

Thanks for your patient replies to my rants, Leska. A lot came out that's been bottled up for a while. Story on the FAS: The local volunteers had good first aid training (lost maybe a dozen people in over thirty-five years of service), but those involved decided they simply didn't have the time to go to what amounted to semi-permanent EMT upgrading classes, just to satisfy some bureaucrats's whim. They're still in the community, but without the protection against lawsuits formerly aforded them, they aren't interested in coming to the aid of anyone they don't know long and personally. This whole situation was foisted on us by the EMT's at the state level lobbying to basically put the volunteer squads out of business. Their game is to make it virtually impossible for anyone who doesn't submit to their rules to help their neighbors in an organized fashion. Well, they succeeded for the most part, and I hope they're happy with the blood on their hands. As for me, I have had basic first aid knowledge including CPR since high school and will do what I can to help my immediate neighbors.

-- lost (but@getting.better), February 22, 1999.

lost, that's a situation that could really get me steamed; don't blame you & your neighbors for seeing how manipulatively disgusting that is. Perhaps Y2K will give the "opportunity" to sever the red-tape territory-gobbling blind omnivores. The lawyers are salivating at Y2K attack opportunities so may be distracted while rural areas re-form according to common sense and local needs. I'm just one of those old-fashioned granny types who always feels one can never get too much practical-skill training. Something nobody can steal from ya- that knowledge & experience! Good luck for Y2K and beyond. Heaven knows there'll be changes, and if we'all can learn from the past and just never make the same mistakes ...

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-- Leska (allaha@earthlink.net), February 22, 1999.